Harmful Algal Blooms

Lake George is known for its purity world wide. It is an oligotrophic lake, which means it should not be a water body which supports and produces plant and algae growth. Over the past decades, residents and scientists have noted increasing algae growth in our water, with the  concern that this AA Special lake could begin to generate toxic blue green algaes, otherwise known as Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).  
The first HAB (top, upper photo) developed 11/9/2020.  A very similar appearing HAB (top, lower photo) appeared 11/11/2021.

Carol Collins, former Executive Director, viewing the third outbreak of HAB's on Assembly Point


​The most recent Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) in the shallow end of Harris Bay was noted Nov. 11,2021.  Its appearance and timing mirror last year's HAB of Nov. 9, 2020. These recent blooms have  heightened the mission of the Assembly Point Water Quality Coalition to safeguard our lake water. 

​Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) consist of clusters of blue-green algae , also known as cyanobacteria.  Many types of algae are naturally occurring parts of healthy lake ecosystems and cyanobacteria are naturally present in low numbers. Certain conditions are known to affect the growth of algae, such as nutrient level, temperature, sunlight and wind conditions.   When all these factors come together in combination to foster a surge in growth, the algae can  rapidly increase in number and form “blooms” that are visible on the surface of the water. These blooms can look like green dots, clumps,  or parallel streaks, or like paint or “pea soup” along the shoreline. The stronger the bloom, the greener the lake may look.  Some blooms may take on a purple or reddish color.  The danger of a HAB is that certain strains of the algae, or cyanobacteria produce toxins called cyanotoxins, which can be harmful to humans and pets.  Consuming tainted drinking water or fish, or swimming in waters with significant levels of cyanotoxins can cause serious effects on the hepatic, neurological, respiratory and dermatological systems. Fish and other aquatic life are harmed as well. 
 
New York State Federation of Lakes Association (NYSFOLA), NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Upstate Freshwater Institute are working with lake associations around the state to identify, sample and analyze algae bloom samples. The November 7, 2020 HAB was spotted and reported by a resident. The bloom dissipated later that day, but reappeared 2 days later.  Prompt action was key to identifying the bloom and ascertaining its severity.  The Jefferson Project at Lake George (a collaboration between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, IBM Research and the Lake George Association) and the DEC responded to the reports.  The NYS DEC announced the presence of a confirmed bloom in Harris Bay, with toxin levels below the Environmental Protection Agency’s 10 day drinking water health advisory level. 
 
 
To report a suspected HAB, go to the NYS DEC website HABs Reporting Guide, fill out and submit a Suspicious Algal Bloom Report Form, or email [email protected].  The DEC also maintains a HABs notifications page, listing water bodies that currently have blooms. 
 

We can all work to reduce nutrient input to our lake, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus.  Controlling run-off from our property, confirming that septic systems are functioning properly, and not using fertilizer within 50 feet of lake or stream are key first steps for all lake residents that will make a difference.
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We Have to Make a Difference - We have to BE THE DIFFERENCE for Lake George.


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The direct cause of Harmful Algal Blooms has yet to be determined.  Algal Blooms are caused by stormwater runoff, septic pollution and fertilizer used too close to water bodies.  Press the buttons below to view septic and fertilizer pages

Winter Issues:
Winter ice provides a chance for the Lake to rest and to limit the growth of algae. Fishermen tell us that algae negatively impacts fish spawning habitats: in areas where the algae grow, the bass do not spawn. They call on us to stop using ice-eaters not only to improve water quality, but also for human safety and improved fish habitat. An ice-eater uses a submersible motor with a propeller to draw up warmer water from the depths of the Lake and deflect it to the surface, creating a constant circulation of warmer water that prevents ice from forming. The warm water can also travel underneath the ice and undermine ice farther offshore, which can pose a real safety hazard to anyone on the ice nearby. ​ (press button below photo of ice fishermen on Harris Bay with large swath of water created by an ice eater to navigate to more information.)

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